Dear Neighbors,

We hope you enjoy the first newsletter co-produced by the NNRO (Northeast Neighborhood Revitalization Organization) and the NENC (Northeast Neighborhood Council).

We call it The Link as a nod to the LINK Trail, which runs through our neighborhood, linking downtown to the University of Notre Dame. It's also an acknowledgement that we are linked as a community of neighbors. The newsletter's colors are inspired by the "Northeast" mural local artist Alex Ann Allen recently painted in Quigley Park, at Notre Dame and South Bend avenues. 

The newsletter is our first step to improve neighborhood communications. A Northeast Neighborhood website is in the works, and we plan to establish a presence on social media too. We want to bring you information about health and wellness opportunities, after-school and senior citizen programming, family-fun events, affordable home ownership opportunities, safety, restaurant and shopping news, and features about your neighbors.

In cooperation with the NENC, the NNRO is working on a five-year strategic plan for the neighborhood based on a survey of residents. We'll share more on that soon. In the meantime, enjoy the newsletter and encourage neighbors to subscribe!

Linked as a neighborhood, 

Jessica McCrea, NNRO President, and Bill Stenz, NENC President

Lifelong neighborhood resident Marguerite Taylor, 83, was honored with The History Museum's 2026 African American Legacy Award at its Juneteenth Reception. Taylor's legacy as a community activist includes making sure residents received market value for their homes during the revitalization of the neighborhood and helping establish the Robinson Community Learning Center. She also had a significant impact on early childhood programs at RCLC and Head Start.

The NNRO and South Bend Heritage Foundation, which serves as the operational manager of the NNRO, recently hosted an open house for home ownership and rental opportunities on Turnock Street. The newly constructed homes include two townhome-style homes (with a total of four units) and four apartments. All will be available for affordable prices. Interested? Email Kristin Givens with SBHF. 

The Albonoz family recently closed on a single family home on the 700 block of Turnock Street. This is the third sold through the NNRO’s Community Land Trust program, helping create permanently-affordable homeownership opportunities for families in our community. CLT homes build impact, neighborhood strength, and pathways to ownership that last for years to come. Learn about CLT home ownership.

In a party caucus held May 20, St. Joseph County Democratic precinct chairs selected Heidi Beidinger to fill the Fourth District Common Council seat vacated by Troy Warner. Mayor James Mueller recently appointed Warner as his chief of staff. Beidinger will serve the remainder of Warner’s four-year term on the South Bend Common Council, which ends on December 31, 2027. Beidinger’s biography and contact information can be found here.

South Bend is in the process of finalizing two short-term rental ordinances for upcoming Common Council review. One requires a special exception for non-owner-occupied properties. The other establishes a mandatory permitting system, requiring owner contact details and strict adherence to building, fire, and maintenance codes. Existing noise and nuisance laws apply, and permits may be revoked if a property receives three citations within a calendar year. Email Common Council members with comments or questions.

SBPD is partnering with short-term rental owners and neighbors in hopes of preventing large parties and violence from occurring. Ensuring resident and officer safety is the priority. Property owners are encouraged to email their short-term rental addresses to police so authorities have that information before responding to an emergency call. Neighbors may email police to report unusual activity at short-term rentals. Always call 911 for emergencies. 

Report neighborhood issues like code violations or maintenance concerns by calling 311 (or 574.233.0311 outside the city) or visiting 311.southbendin.gov. City staff will route your concern to the right department. To help the city resolve issues efficiently, please provide the specific location, a detailed description, and photos if you feel comfortable. Always call 911 for emergencies.

The Northeast Neighborhood is bounded by Angela Boulevard to the north, LaSalle Avenue to the south, and Twyckenham Drive to the east. The western boundary follows Michigan Street south from Angela to the St. Joseph River, then shifts to Niles Avenue and then to Hill Street. There are smaller communities within the Northeast Neighborhood, like Harter Heights and The Triangle (at Eddy Street Commons). Here is an interactive map of the neighborhood.  

The NENC recently recognized 37 Basilica of Sacred Heart parishioners with the 2025 Rev. Edward "Monk" Malloy, C.S.C., Neighborhood Spirit Award for their ongoing service at the Northeast Neighborhood Food Pantry. In April, the group enjoyed a celebratory pizza dinner at Rocco's—which is just around the corner from the pantry. The pantry has operated out of the Historic Firehouse No. 7 at Notre Dame and South Bend avenues for nearly 60 years. It is the longest serving neighborhood pantry in the city. Here are the pantry's hours and other information.

Number of Sacred Heart volunteers receive service recognition 

Growing up, RCLC quite literally gave Joshua Crudup a window to the world. He was enrolled there from kindergarten through high school. In that time he traveled to New York City, Washington, DC, and Philadelphia with the My America program, to London with the theatre program and to Germany with the robotics team. His is just one story celebrating RCLC's 25th anniversary in the Northeast Neighborhood. 

RCLC celebrated 25 years of community, learning, and connection with a party at Kelly Park, complete with food trucks and hip hop dance performances. On hand were RCLC staff and students—past and present—neighbors, and community leaders representing the city of South Bend, the Northeast Neighborhood Council, the Northeast Neighborhood Revitalization Organization, the University of Notre Dame, and more.

The recently completed Veldman Family Psychology Clinic, at the corner of South Bend Avenue and Hill Street, will expand local access to mental health care through a combination of research, training, and service. The clinic will significantly expand the evidence-based mental health services that Notre Dame provides to the community. There will be a community open house on Friday, July 24, 1-5 p.m.

Forward this newsletter to neighbors you think would enjoy it and encourage them to subscribe to receive it!